Kate Michael, @theauthentikate, is a Writer/Model/On-Camera Host and Event Emcee. Notable as the Founder and current Editor-At-Large of K Street Magazine, Kate started the site while serving as Miss District of Columbia 2006 and competing in Miss America (2007).
Currently, Kate works as a professional spokesperson and model, walking the runway for such industry icons as Valentino, Derek Lam, Naeem Kahn and Oscar de la Renta. Her media portfolio includes a spread in Elle magazine and features on Inside Edition and BBC World News’ “The Real Cities” series. You’ll catch her interviewing guests on DC’s NewChannel8′s Let’s Talk Live and showcasing products on BestBuy.com, as well as work appearing on NBC, Fox, Comcast and local print publications.

I Took My Puppy to the Newly Renovated Fairmont… and Everyone Loved It

I’ve always loved the Fairmont. It’s classic, hosts a number of my favorite charity and social events… and happens to be within walking distance to my apartment. The Fairmont lobby lounge has been one of my go-to meeting places for years, and since good friend Mark Timms took over the restaurant a few years ago, Juniper’s tables have seen their fair share of me as well.

I didn’t think it could get any better, but as it turns out, the Georgetown hotel’s recent $27 million renovation has made the Fairmont even fairer. To have the fullest experience (in the interest of full disclosure), I was invited to play the role of ‘staycation guest’ for a night earlier this month – my usual pot of lobby lounge peppermint tea, dinner, overnight stay, and breakfast buffet were included — as well as bringing along my new puppy.

That’s right. Among the delights I didn’t yet know about the Fairmont included its VIP (Very Important Pet) program. The hospitality brand is one of the top pet friendly hotels, greeting four-legged guests with healthy treats handmade by the Executive Pastry Chef upon arrival, allowing them to enjoy their stay free of charge, providing loaner leashes/collars/bowls, and even directing pet owners to other nearby four-legged friendly fun. An amazing added bonus… each time a guest stays at the hotel with their pet, 5% of their room rate is donated to the Washington Animal Rescue League!

Puppy and I were set up in one of the newly updated luxury guest rooms, where we not only felt very posh and comfortable, but also very in touch with a vibe that is very ‘DC.’ Like the city, the renovated furnishings were a mix of modern with classical detail; Accent art included subtle nods to politics and history; Carpets and fabrics boasted a fresh color palette; and new comfort features — like a built-in luggage bench, an in-room coffee/tea station, and enough outlets to charge all of your electronics — made us smile that much more.

Of course we slept well on those brand new Stearns & Foster mattresses and with all of the rooms creature comforts, but perhaps the best part of the stay was exploring so many of the other hidden gems of the hotel. As usual, Juniper restaurant always gets our vote for a delicious dining experience (Timms does seafood particularly well), but we also discovered a rooftop apiary… and all of the sweetness that comes with it. (Bee-tinis made with rooftop honey comb and finger-licking Bee My Honey doughnuts are among the limited edition special offerings.) And there’s more buzz: We hear that fire pits may be coming to the lobby courtyard later this year!

Haven’t taken a look at the Fairmont in a while? Now’s your chance! All 415 guest rooms, as well as public spaces and meeting rooms, will finalize renovations in mid-Spring… and it seems there is always something social happening, whether a simple meeting of friends, a charity Gala, or an organized cocktail-making class in the lobby. Stop by, have a Bee-tini (at left),check out all that’s new. And don’t forget to enjoy the experience with your pet, too!

Special Offer:

Upcoming Events

On Tuesday, August 14, 2018, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar will host a rum dinner featuring Brugal Rum, which is produced by Brugal & Co., C. por A in the Dominican Republic. Guests of this special evening will learn the history of the Brugal distillery, which has been producing farm-to-bottle,… Read More

Young professionals ages 21-35 can enjoy after-hours access to Ford’s Theatre and Museum at Under 35: Museum Night on August 16, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Patrons are invited to mix and mingle in the Ford’s Theatre Museum, see historic artifacts related to Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and… Read More

Crystal City’s summertime happy hour is back, opening a month early and announcing a new partnership with The Stand bringing food and beverage from local restaurants and an exciting live music lineup. Starting on May 4, each Friday from 5-9 pm, attendees can listen to live music from a variety… Read More

The 2nd Annual DC Music Rocks Festival is coming to the 9:30 Club on August 18th for a full night of amazing local music. The event brings five of DC’s incredible local bands from various genres together for one awesome night that celebrates “keeping it… Read More